Residents’ group opens its doors

A new tenants and residents group for the Hirst area of Ashington has opened the doors to its new premises.

The Hirst Tenants and Residents Group’s premises on Beatrice Street was officially opened by Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery.

The new group is carrying on from the work of the former Target North Hirst Tenants and Residents group, after funding support from Northumberland County Council has allowed it to expand its work to a larger geographic area.

Support from Arch, the Northumberland development company, has also allowed the group to set itself up in new premises on Beatrice Street in Ashington.

The former Target North Hirst group was very successful, working hard to become the voice of the community, and organising events such as community clean ups and dog micro-chipping days.

A successful neighbourhood management scheme that helped to keep the area clean and green, will be taken forward into a new Hirst Neighbourhood Management Initiative.

Chair of Hirst Tenants and Residents Group, Carol Brown, said: “We are very excited to be getting underway as the newly named group, and look forward to continuing the excellent work in championing the needs of the local community, and supporting positive improvements for the Hirst neighbourhood.

“We welcome everyone who would like to come along on Friday – and are keen to let them know our plans, and get their ideas for the future too.”

A spokesperson for Northumberland County Council said: “The council is very keen to work with this community group at Hirst – and to pool resources so that we can make a real difference to the area.

“We want to work with local residents to raise the profile of the area – and ensure that local issues are effectively addressed – improving the quality of life here.”